Award Categories
WHISKY
Whisky or whiskey is a type of liquor made from fermented grain mash.
Scotch/Irish
All whisky following the Scotch or Irish styles and definitions (country specific) regarding ingredients, production methodology, and maturation requirements.
Sub Categories
- Single Malt / Single Pot NAS
- Single Malt / Single Pot 12 under
- Single Malt / Single Pot 12 over
- Blended / Vatted Malts
- Other (Corn / Grain / non-traditional etc)
World Whisky
Whisky from non-traditional whisky producing nations or non-traditional styles from traditional whisky producing countries. Note: Whiskies entered must conform to the regulations in the country of production
Sub Categories
- Single Malt Single Cask
- Blended
- Single Malt
North American
All whisky following the North American definitions regarding ingredients, production methodology, and maturation requirements.
Sub Categories
- Bourbon & Tennessee
- Rye
- Other (Corn etc)
GIN
Gin is an is an alcoholic drink with juniper berries and other botanical ingredients or flavourings and bottled at no less than 37.5%
Classic
Juniper forward gins that may also include (but are not limited to) other classic botanicals such as angelica root, coriander seed, orris root or citrus peel. Classic gins are flavoured exclusively through distillation with no additional ingredients or sugar added post distillation.
Signature Botanical
Distilled gins that focus on a particular botanical or flavour that is prominently stated on their label. Flavoured exclusively through distillation, and not infusion. Still incorporating juniper but with the primary focus on the signature botanical.
Contemporary
Contemporary Gins – with flavour profiles where juniper is still discernible, but other botanical flavours are more prominent.
Navy Strength
Gin bottled at a strength higher than 54%.
Flavoured
Gin flavoured post distillation commonly by fruit, additional botanicals
or oak, typically via infusion or maceration, and may be sweetened
RUM
Rum is an alcoholic liquor made from sugarcane or sugarcane by-product.
White
A rum which is colourless either by process of distillation or filtration.
Oak Aged
A rum which is transparent gold or amber in colour by means of oak maturation. Caramel colouring may also be added.
Dark
A rum with an opaque amber or brown hue by means of added caramel or molasses and not oak maturation.
Spiced
A rum that is flavored with spices and/or botanicals post distillation
Overproof
A rum that is bottled higher than 50% vol
Other
Any rum that does not fit easily into any of the above categories - e.g. botanically distilled rums
AGAVE
Agave spirits are alcoholic beverages derived predominantly from the agave plant.
Mezcal
An agave spirit that is approved by the ‘Norma Oficial Mexicana’ from one of the key states recognised in its Geographical Indication.
Sub Categories:
- Joven/Blanco
- Reposado
- Añejo
Tequila
A spirit made from the blue agave that conforms to the ‘Appellation of Origin of Tequila’ from one of the key states recognised in its Geographical Indication.
Sub Categories:
- Blanco
- Reposado
- Añejo
- Extra Añejo
Destilado
‘Destilado de agave’ is an alcoholic liquor that is distilled from agave but which cannot legally be labelled as either a Mezcal or Tequila.
VODKA
Vodka is an alcoholic liquor produced from any ingredient of agricultural origin obtained following fermentation with yeast.
Flavoured
A flavoured vodka has a predominant flavour other than that of the raw materials.
Whether achieved during or post distillation. Can include addition of sugar and
colouring.
Neutral
A vodka which does not organoleptically express any primary discernible
flavours or aromas and has less than 2g/l of sugar. No colouring.
Characterful
A vodka which retains some discernible flavour from the distillation of
a base raw material and has less than 2g/l of sugar. No colouring.
BRANDY
Brandy is an alcoholic liquor which is distilled from a fruit ferment. It may or may not include wood finishes or added flavour, colours or sugars but at low and controlled levels.
Armagnac/Cognac
An Armagnac or Cognac are grape brandies that are legally recognised under the European AOC associated with either category.
Other
Any other fruit distillate that falls within the base category, has lesa
than 100g/l of sugar and a defining character of their base raw material - e.g. Calvados, Spanish Brandy, Applejack, Pisco, Grappa etc.
LIQUEURS
A liqueur is an alcoholic drink sweetened to contain at least 100 grams of sugar per liter, flavored with natural or artificial ingredients, and having a minimum alcoholic strength of 15% ABV.
Cream
A cream liqueur (not to be confused with a ‘crème liqueur’) is a liqueur that is flavored with dairy cream or other milk products.
Fruit
A liqueur that is primarily flavoured with fruit, either by infusion or distillation
Anise/Herbal
An anise/herbal liqueur is a liqueur primarily flavoured with herbs, spices and/or anise by infusing or distilling
Spirit
A spirit liqueur is derived from an clearly stated spirit category that
is sweetened to qualify it as a liqueur - e.g. whisky liqueur, gin liqueur etc
Other
Any liqueur product that does not naturally fit into any of the above categories yet holds at least 100g/l of sugar.
APERITIF/DIGESTIF & OTHER SPIRITS
The aperitif/digestif category refers to both low (11-25%) and high (>35%) alcoholic beverages that commonly have balanced sweetness and include macerations of herbs, spices and sometimes fruits.
Vermouth
A vermouth is a fortified, aromatized wine with at least one herb from the Artemisia (wormwood) family, hold alcohol between 14.5%-22% and contain at least 75% wine.
Sub Categories
- Sweet
- A Sweet Vermouth (“rosso” / “rouge”) is a vermouth that is coloured with caramel and containing a minimum of 130 grams of sugar per litre.
- Dry
- A Dry Vermouth (“sec” / “secco”) is a vermouth that is typically lightly gold or colourless with a sugar content of less than 50 grams per litre.
- Other
- Any other aperitivo style spirit between 11% - 25% including Fruit Cups.
Amaro
Amaro is made from a wine or spirit base infused with bitter or
herbaceous botanicals and some amount of sugar. Occasionally aged and can range between 16% - 40% ABV. Categories include Fernet, Americano, Quinquina and cocktail bitters.
No / Low Alcohol Spirit Alternatives
These products deliver a no or low alcohol alternative to spirits. Defined
as a product that is between 0-15% ABV and made to be served with a mixer and not ready-to-drink. Can include sugar, colouring and other flavourings but must involve distillation as a component of production.
Other
Recognising any other spirit that does not easily fit into any of the above categories. Examples such as - Baijiu, Shochu, Soju, Raki, Akavit etc
NEW ZEALAND INNOVATION AWARD
Entries will be judged as a whole package. Judging will be based on the uniqueness of the innovation in the New Zealand Spirits market context and its potential value to spirits consumers or to change the spirits market or industry in New Zealand.
Submission Guidelines:
- Ensure all applicable information is included to enable judging.
- Submit your entry by the specified deadline.
- Include supporting materials to strengthen your application.
- Send a product sample that demonstrates the innovation and how it is presented in the market.
- Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered.
NEW ZEALAND DESIGN AND PACKAGING AWARD
The Packaging Design Award recognises excellence in packaging design. The entries will be assessed for their degree of innovation, aesthetic quality, functionality, and whether the concept or design offers enjoyment beyond a mere practical purpose.
Submission Guidelines:
- Ensure all applicable information is included to enable judging.
- Submit your entry by the specified deadline.
- Include supporting materials to strengthen your entry.
- Send a product sample that showcases the packaging design and how it is presented in the market.
- Incomplete or late submissions may not be considered
NEW ZEALAND EMERGING PRODUCT AWARD
The New Zealand Emerging Product Award is open to all New Zealand distilleries who have a brand requiring a final refinement. This could be a pre-commercial distillery with a product concept close to launching into the market or a commercial distillery with a brand in development or in the market (must be less than 1 year old) which would benefit from further brand development. The trophy will be awarded to a distillery demonstrating a real dedication and passion to the New Zealand spirits industry with an impressive level of preparation for the future. The winner will receive design assistance to develop a new innovative product, brand or packaging concept for release in the New Zealand and international market.
NEW ZEALAND BEST COCKTAIL BAR AWARD
The New Zealand Best Cocktail Bar Award honours the finest in mixology, service, and atmosphere, recognising the bar that leads the way in cocktail excellence across the country. This prestigious award celebrates venues that demonstrate creativity, technical mastery, and a superior guest experience.
Nominations will be made by brand ambassadors, who use their industry expertise to identify the standout bars in New Zealand. These nominations are then reviewed and judged by a panel of renowned industry experts from across the country, who evaluate each bar based on innovation, consistency, service, and their overall impact on the cocktail scene.
The New Zealand Best Cocktail Bar Award is the ultimate accolade for bars that have a focus on promoting spirits, set trends, inspire the industry, and deliver unforgettable experiences—one cocktail at a time.
NEW ZEALAND BARTENDER OF THE YEAR AWARD
The New Zealand Bartender of the Year Award celebrates exceptional skill, creativity, and innovation. This prestigious award recognises a bartender who not only delivers outstanding cocktails and service but also contributes to the industry—through mentorship, sustainability, or innovation—shaping the future of New Zealand’s cocktail scene. Nominations are made by brand ambassadors, who bring their industry knowledge to highlight the bartenders who are making the greatest impact in New Zealand’s cocktail scene. A panel of industry experts will then evaluate the nominees on skill, creativity, consistency, and overall contribution.
The New Zealand Bartender of the Year Award honours a bartender who has a deep knowledge of spirits, is shaping the industry, inspiring others, and creating unforgettable experiences with every cocktail.
NEW ZEALAND BEST PAIRING AWARD
The New Zealand Best Pairing Award celebrates the ideal balance between premium gin and Fever-Tree Indian tonic. This award recognises the exceptional harmony and flavourprofile achieved when a gin and tonic are expertly paired to elevate the tasting experience.
Distilleries that register their gins for the main gin category awards can opt to enter them into the New Zealand Best Pairing Award. For this special category, each gin will be blind-tasted by a panel of expert judges, paired with one part gin and three parts Fever-Tree Indian tonic. The judges will assess the balance, clarity, and overall quality of the pairing, ensuring the perfect combination of gin and tonic.
To be eligible for the New Zealand Best Pairing Award, the gin must first be registered for the main gin category awards. This exclusive category allows distilleries to highlight their gin’s versatility and perfect pairing with the renowned Fever-Tree Indian tonic, and be able to proudly state they produce the best Gin and Tonic in Aotearoa.
NEW ZEALAND PRE-BATCHED COCKTAIL AWARD
The New Zealand Pre-Batched Cocktail Award celebrates excellence in professionally prepared and packaged cocktails, such as bottled or canned, formats. This award recognises entries that deliver a high-quality, consistent drink experience, ensuring the integrity and balance of the cocktail is maintained in a ready-to-serve formal.
Modern Cocktail
For entries that deliver a completely new cocktail recipe or a twist on an already established cocktail - eg Chocolate Martini, Blackberry Mojito etc
Classic Cocktail
This category is reserved for commonly known and established cocktail recipes that are aiming to deliver on a known flavour experience - eg Margarita, Espresso Martini etc.
The categories are based upon the commonly held spirit groupings which define the style and process of spirit production. The organisers reserve the right to move any entry into a different category (with the approval of the submitter), if there are not enough entries in any one category
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
PREMIER PARTNER
